What is collagen?

May 2017 | Reading time: 2 minutes

Information on collagen and how it affects our bodies.

Collagen is the protein that holds us together. It is the most abundant protein in our body and is present in skin, muscles, tendons, and bones.

Signs of ageing become visible when structural protein loses its elasticity, which is can be treated with various non-invasive procedures.

Collagen Facts

• Over 80% found in the body is type I, II and II, although there are more than 16 other types.
• Medical uses don’t always source from humans. It’s common for it to be sourced from cows and pigs!
• It can be damaged by excessive and sustained sugar intake, smoking and sunlight among other things.
• There are various therapies (such as HIFU) which can stimulate collagen production.
• Its molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.
• As we grower older, production of this protein decreases.
• It makes up 20% of our mass.
• Gram for gram, type I is stronger than steel.
• The word derived from the Greek “Kolla” which means glue.

More Information

Our non-surgical facelift treatments are designed to stimulate collagen production, but there are also several nutrients that you may consider as a way of improving collagen production both before and after your treatment.

Vitamin C: Can be taken as a supplement but is also found in numerous foods including oranges and broccoli

• Proline: Cabbages, soy, cheeses, and egg whites are all rich in proline.
• Anthocyanidins: Can be found in many berries as well as cherries.
• Copper: Present in some drinking water as well as nuts, shellfish, and red meat.
• Vitamin A: Present in many foods

This information is provided as a useful reference for our clients who wish to know more about collagen and the important role it plays in our treatments.

If you have any questions, please book a free telephone consultation using the button below.